Chapter 15

Commissions and Independent Offices

Articles 248–254

Independent oversight bodies

In the classroom: Constitutional commissions are independent; they guard democracy and rights; members are appointed through a fair process and have security of tenure.

Article 249 — Objects of independence

Protect sovereignty; secure observance of democratic values; ensure checks and balances.

Article 250 — Application

Chapter applies to commissions listed in Article 250(1).

Article 251 — Removal from office

Grounds and procedure for removal of commission members.

Multiple choice — 10 questions

Think of your answer, then open Correct answer & explanation for each question.

1. Chapter Fifteen covers:

A) Commissions and independent offices B) Only Parliament C) Only counties D) Foreign policy

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Chapter Fifteen is titled Commissions and Independent Offices.

2. Objects of independent commissions include:

A) Protecting democratic values (Article 249) B) Running elections only C) Tax collection D) Foreign embassies

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 249 lists objects including protection of democratic values.

3. Removal of a commission member requires:

A) Grounds and procedure in Article 251 B) Tweet only C) County assembly vote only D) No process

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 251 provides for removal from office.

4. The Kenya National Human Rights Commission is a:

A) Constitutional commission B) Private company C) County department D) Foreign NGO

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Chapter Fifteen and Article 59 establish human rights and equality commissions.

5. Independent offices are protected to ensure:

A) Impartiality from executive control B) Party loyalty only C) No accountability D) Secrecy

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Independence is meant to shield oversight bodies from improper influence.

6. Article 252 concerns:

A) General provisions applying to commissions B) Only land C) Only tax D) Only schools

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 252 contains general provisions on commissions.

7. If the Executive tries to dismiss a commissioner without grounds:

A) It may violate Article 251 and independence B) Always allowed C) Only Parliament cares D) Courts cannot act

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Removal must follow constitutional grounds and procedure.

8. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission relates to:

A) Leadership integrity and anti-corruption (Chapter Six context) B) Only sports C) Only agriculture D) Foreign trade only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — EACC is an independent commission under the Constitution and statute.

9. Commissioners are appointed to reflect:

A) Regional, gender, and minority balance where applicable B) One family C) Random picks D) Only urban areas

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Appointment laws often require regional and diversity considerations.

10. Parliament may legislate to give full effect to Chapter Fifteen under:

A) Article 254 B) Article 1 C) Article 81 D) Chapter Two

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 254 empowers legislation to implement the Chapter.

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